Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua – the Kaseya Center’s biggest sporting moments

The Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida—formerly known as the American Airlines Arena and FTX Arena—is in the spotlight this month with the highly anticipated return of Jake Paul to the ring as he takes on one of the best heavyweights on the planet in Anthony Joshua.

As the event draws near, we take some time to look at the venue, the Kaseya Center, which will welcome boxing fans the world over on December 19, 2025. The arena is not just a spectacular piece of waterfront architecture; it is one of the pillars in Miami’s bustling sports scene.

Opened in 1999, the arena has established itself as one of the premier entertainment and sporting venues in the nation. While its calendar is filled with world-class concerts and major events, out-of-state guests can play online slots ahead of their visit to Miami.

The Kaseya Center’s legacy is inextricably linked with its primary tenant, the Miami Heat of the NBA. “Heat Nation” has provided the backdrop for some of basketball’s most significant recent history, cementing the arena’s reputation as a fortress of championship basketball.

But as iconic as the Heat are, all attention will be paid to the combat sports world.

Combat sports at the Kaseya Center

While basketball holds the top spot, the Kaseya Center has also become a significant venue for combat sports, hosting blockbuster events in both mixed martial arts and professional boxing.

The Kaseya Center – Significant UFC Events

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has staged several highly notable pay-per-view events at the venue, drawing massive crowds and delivering unforgettable moments.

UFC 287: Pereira vs. Adesanya 2 (2023)

This event stands out as a colossal commercial success, setting a record for the highest-grossing event in the arena’s history at the time. The main event featured a highly anticipated rematch between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira for the UFC Middleweight Championship. The UFC results on the night was capped by Adesanya’s spectacular second-round knockout, a moment of sweet revenge that brought the crowd to its feet

UFC 299: O’Malley vs. Vera 2 (2024)

The return of the UFC saw Sean O’Malley successfully defend his Bantamweight title in a dominant performance against Marlon “Chito” Vera. The card also featured thrilling bouts that reinforced the Kaseya Center’s status as a premium locale for high-stakes MMA.

The Kaseya Center – Significant Boxing Events

The Kaseya Center is actively making a name for itself in the world of professional boxing, most recently by securing an event that captured global attention.

Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua

Scheduled for December 19, this highly-publicized matchup between internet sensation turned boxer Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua is a major coup for the venue. This cross-generational, high-profile fight underscores the arena’s increasing pull in the boxing world and promises to be one of the most widely watched sporting events in its history.

Wrestling

The arena has consistently hosted other combat-related events, including multiple major WWE pay-per-views (such as the Royal Rumble and Survivor Series) and various preliminary boxing cards, showcasing its versatility in accommodating large-scale, televised fight nights.

Miami Heat

The history of the Kaseya Center is a tapestry woven with the threads of the Miami Heat’s success. The arena has been the site for five NBA Finals appearances for the Heat, culminating in three iconic championships.

2006 NBA Finals

The arena hosted the first NBA Finals games in franchise history, as the Heat faced the Dallas Mavericks. While the title-clinching game happened on the road, the electric atmosphere of the home games against the Mavericks was a crucial part of the team’s journey to its first-ever championship.

The “Big Three” Era (2010-2014)

The signing of LeBron James and Chris Bosh to join Dwyane Wade created a superteam whose home court became the epicenter of the basketball world. The arena hosted the NBA Finals four consecutive times during this period, generating moments that redefined the franchise.

2012 NBA Final

The Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder on their home court in Game 5, securing the franchise’s second championship and triggering a city-wide celebration.

2013 NBA Finals

Perhaps the most dramatic championship run, the Heat battled the San Antonio Spurs, facing a 3-2 deficit before returning to Miami. Games 6 and 7 were hosted at the arena, culminating in a nail-biting Game 7 victory where the Heat defended their title in an instant classic

The 2023 NBA Finals

In the latest chapter of the Heat’s finals history, the arena hosted games against the Denver Nuggets. Although the Heat were ultimately defeated, their “Eighth Seed” run to the Finals showcased the tenacity and fighting spirit that the arena’s atmosphere has come to embody.

Beyond the Finals, the Kaseya Center has maintained one of the NBA’s longest active sellout streaks, a testament to the city’s enduring passion and the consistently high-stakes, exciting basketball played on its court.

A Miami Landmark

Since its opening, under its different names, the arena’s location on Biscayne Bay has mirrored the dynamic energy of Miami itself. Its biggest sporting events—particularly the Heat’s three NBA Championship victories and its role as a key venue for major UFC and now boxing events—have created a legacy of unforgettable spectacle. The Kaseya Center stands not just as a venue, but as a crucial pillar in Miami’s identity as a global sports destination.